Igloos and thick socks: novel ideas help keep Czech homeless warm

There are currently thousands of homeless people across the Czech Republic
and deaths and severe cases of frostbite have already been reported this
winter. Rather than insufficient homeless centres, experts say the current
challenge revolves more around the type of shelters provided.

Tomáš Ján, photo: Jana Kudláčková / Czech Radio
Temperatures regularly drop to far below freezing point in the Czech
Republic during the winter months. This year frost has been affecting the
homeless since mid-November, causing death in a number of cases.

A lack of shelter does not actually seem to be the main problem, however.

The director of Prague’s Centre for Social Services, Tomáš Ján, says
that for the roughly 1,500 people currently on the capital’s streets,
there are 800 spots available in special shelters run by his organisation,
with more beds available if the situation demands it.

Mr. Ján says, however, some homeless people still prefer being outside.

“There are clients who do not want help. Who have chosen homelessness as
a lifestyle, or have a dog, for example. Right now we are not able to take
care of animals, just people.”

Homelessness can be a very lonely existence and some people simply get used
to isolation, says Emmanuel Chilaud, a Frenchman living in Ostrava. He has
started an innovative programme with his girlfriend that offers private
“igloos” to those that want to be alone, or cannot use a common shelter
due to their pets.

“The igloo looks like a small tunnel which is 2m long and 1m wide, the
size of a mattress, in which the person can just lie. When you close the
doors the human heat stays inside, warming the igloo. Thanks to that you
get 15 to 18 degrees more than the temperature outside.

"So you can imagine conditions where it is minus 10 degrees outside,
but inside the igloo it is eight above zero, which is great because you do
not freeze from that.”

Photo: Iglou
The igloos have only become introduced this year, but have already found
success and currently operate in eight places around the country. While the
project founders were originally counting on making just around 10 in their
apartment, they have had to move into a special atelier as there is now
demand for 60.

Mr. Ján from the Prague’s social services says another issue is that the
homeless shelters are often too far away for people. A plan to install
smaller shelters in each city district has already been agreed, but needs
local municipal cooperation to go ahead.

Emmanuel Chilaud with his girlfriend Pavla Klečková, photo: Iglou
A further danger affecting the homeless is frostbite. This week staff at a
Prague homeless shelter were shocked to find a man whose feet had turned
black up to his heels due to the cold. To prevent such cases the Salvation
Army has teamed up with an organisation called Elpida, on a project titled
Socks from Granny, distributing thick socks woven by pensioners in
retirement homes to people who cannot afford them.

Furthermore, contributions to the organisation’s Night Vouchers
programme, which provides warm beds in winter months, have shot up –
which gives Salvation Army spokesman Přemysl Kramerius hope in Czech
society.

“It is true that our Night Vouchers programme is increasing and doubled
since last year. I think the reasons behind this are much more than just
economic growth, however. People care for others much more now. The whole
community is moving forward and they understand the need to share with
others more than before.”